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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lafayette County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lafayette County, MO. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$3.6061 per $100 of assessed valuation (varies by taxing district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lafayette County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate, which is typically 19% of the property's fair market value as determined by the county assessor. The county's property tax rate structure includes both county-wide levies and additional assessments from various special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Lafayette County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and road districts. For the 2025 tax year, the combined rate is approximately $3.6061 per $100 of assessed valuation, though individual properties may experience different rates depending on their specific taxing districts. Property owners should note that their actual tax bill depends not only on these rates but also on any applicable tax credits, which typically require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county operations and services
School DistrictsVariableLocal school district funding
Special Road Districts$0.35Road maintenance and improvements (varies by district)
Municipal ServicesVariableCity services (if within city limits)
Library DistrictsVariablePublic library funding
Fire ProtectionVariableFire department services
Total Combined Rate$3.6061Average combined rate for 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and vary significantly based on your property's location within Lafayette County. Special districts like Mayview SRD and Odessa SRD may have different rate combinations. Contact the Lafayette County Assessor's office to determine your property's specific taxing districts and applicable rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lafayette County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Lafayette County are additional assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, property improvements, ownership transfers, or corrections to the original assessment. These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, the county assessor will reassess your property and issue a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value covering July through December. The supplemental tax would be calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill but applied only to the assessment increase and the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$750 (if eligible and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,250
  • Annual Tax ($3.6061 rate): $2,028
  • Monthly Payment: $169

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$1,100 (if eligible homeowner)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Annual Tax ($3.6061 rate): $4,071
  • Monthly Payment: $339

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$1,100 (if eligible homeowner)
  • Net Taxable Value: $188,900
  • Annual Tax ($3.6061 rate): $6,812
  • Monthly Payment: $568

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and eligibility verification. Actual rates may vary based on your property's specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lafayette County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a cushion amount. The lender receives your tax bill directly from the county and pays it on your behalf before the December 31st deadline.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has received the correct tax bill and payment amount, especially after assessment changes or when tax credits have been applied. If you believe your escrow payment is incorrect, contact your lender with a copy of your current tax statement. Lenders typically perform annual escrow analyses and may adjust your monthly payment if there are significant changes in your property tax bill.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lafayette County? A: Property taxes are due December 31st each year. Payments must be postmarked no later than December 31st to avoid penalties and delinquency status.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Lafayette County offers a Senior Real Estate Tax Credit providing up to $750 for renters and $1,100 for qualifying homeowners. This credit requires a separate application and must be submitted with required documents by July 31, 2025, for the 2025 tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Unlike many states, Missouri does not have a traditional homestead exemption. However, senior citizens may qualify for the Senior Real Estate Tax Credit mentioned above, which directly reduces the tax bill rather than the assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Lafayette County conducts property assessments on a regular cycle. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific reassessment schedules and to understand when your property was last assessed.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent after December 31st, and penalties apply to late payments. Contact the Lafayette County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Lafayette County Collector's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from special road districts (like Mayview SRD or Odessa SRD), school districts, fire districts, and other special assessments. These vary by location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Lafayette County Assessor's office for information about the assessment appeal process, including deadlines and required documentation.

Q: Are tax credits automatic? A: No, most tax credits in Lafayette County require separate applications and annual renewal. The Senior Real Estate Tax Credit specifically requires application by July 31st each year.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Lafayette County Assessor's office for assessment questions, the County Collector for payment issues, or the County Auditor's office for rate and calculation questions.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Tax Rates for County: Lafayetteauditor.mo.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
County
County Collectorlafayettecountymo.gov
04
County
Lafayette County, MO - Senior Real Estate Tax Credit: ...lafayettecountymo.gov
05
Assessorlafayettecountymo.gov
06
County
an ordinance and order of the lafayette county commissionlafayettecountymo.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
08
County
Guide to County and Municipal Records on Microfilm ...sos.mo.gov
09
County
IN THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, LAFAYETTE COUNTY, ...lafayettecountymo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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